Device and method for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card

ABSTRACT

One embodiment of the present invention provides for sensing a physical change at a transaction card, such as a credit card, and providing content, such as information or entertainment information, in response to sensing the physical change.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/223,164, filed Dec. 30, 1998, incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to a device and methodfor promoting the selection and use of a transaction card.

[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art

[0005] Each year, more and more credit cards are offered by credit cardissuers to consumers. These credit cards are commonly offered toconsumers through the mail and at points of purchase. In both cases,credit card issuers include some type of enticement as part of theirmarketing effort to distinguish their credit card offer from theircompetitors' so as to attract the attention of consumers. An idealmethod of enticement encourages consumers to open an account with thecredit card issuer and, once an account has been opened, motivates theconsumer to use the new credit card. In this way, continuous revenue forthe credit card issuer may be generated.

[0006] One method that is used to encourage consumers to establish anaccount and to use a particular credit card is an incentive program thatoffers awards to consumers. For example, such well-known programsprovide frequent-flyer mile earnings or cash-back bonuses based on theamount charged on a credit card. Another program provides discounts toconsumers for purchasing products or services at participatingmerchants' businesses. Yet another program offers co-branded cards inwhich a credit card issuer affiliates itself with another company ororganization in order to offer a consumer certain purchasing advantages.The purchasing advantages may include discounts on purchases of productsand/or services from the co-branded company or financial support for aparticular organization that the consumer chooses to be associated with,such as a college alumnus organization.

[0007] A particular example of a method intended to promote a consumer'sselection and use a credit card is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,102to Auriemma (“'102 patent”). This patent teaches a method wherein a userearns, for each predetermined transaction amount, a coupon that isredeemable by the user for a lottery ticket. In this way, the user hasan opportunity to recover at least a portion of his transaction-basedexpenditures.

[0008] A disadvantage of program-based incentives such as thosedescribed above and, for example, that described in the '102 patent, isthat a large number of consumers typically do not take the time to readthe rules and options of the programs. Nor do they take the time tocalculate the possible cost savings. To the contrary, these consumerstend to establish accounts with credit card issuers by impulse ratherthan based on a careful evaluation of merits of the offered programs. Inparticular, they are more likely to accept an offer to open an accountwith a credit card issuer at times that happen to be convenient for themand/or that in some way attract their attention over other similarproducts or services made available to them.

[0009] In an attempt to attract those consumers that are responsive tomarketing methods that provide immediate convenience and/or that attracttheir attention over other similar products, credit card issuers haveadded unique physical features to their credit cards. For example,credit card issuers have offered credit cards to consumers which havetheir pictures imprinted on the face of the credit card. The picturesfunction as a form of identification for the consumer and are also usedfor security purposes.

[0010] In addition, credit card issuers have offered credit cards whichinclude illustrations depicting various themes that appeal to consumers'interests. Credit cards that have illustrations depicting various themesis disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,451 to Weyer. The Weyer patentincludes an overlay that can be adhered to the face of a credit card.The overlay can include a variety of illustrations depicting political,religious, and humorous scenes. In addition, the overlay can includeartistic designs such as a wildlife scene for ecology-minded consumers.

[0011] Further, credit cards have been offered which incorporate autilitarian feature, such as a magnifier, that can be used by aconsumer. Such as a credit card is disclosed in U.S. Design Pat. No.D387,802 to Finkelstein et al. This design patent discloses a magnifyinglens that is laminated into the face of a credit card. The credit cardcan then be used by a consumer to magnify finely printed material, suchas the printed expenses found in restaurant checks and sales drafts.

[0012] A disadvantage of the above-described attempts to attractconsumers by offering them credit cards having unique physical featuresis that the features do not sufficiently differentiate the credit cardsfrom other credit cards. More specifically, these previous attempts haveprimarily added only passive attributes to credit cards and, therefore,do not readily gain the attention of consumers.

[0013] In addition to the above disadvantages, credit card issuers areconfronted with the problem that most consumers already have a number ofcredit cards to select from when they are deciding to make a purchase.As described above, consumers typically do not read the rules andoptions of a program, nor do they take the time to calculate thepossible savings the various programs offer. Therefore, it is infrequentthat a consumer will choose a credit card because of a particularincentive program. Indeed, it is more likely that a consumer will beattracted to a credit card because of its unique physical features, thanbecause of an incentive program associated with it.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] One embodiment of the present invention provides for sensing aphysical change at a transaction card, such as a credit card, andproviding content, such as information or entertainment information, inresponse to sensing the physical change.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] So that those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subjectinvention pertains will more readily understand how to make and use thedevice and method described herein, preferred embodiments of theinvention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings,wherein:

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wallet having a credit cardtherein which includes an embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 2 is a front, side, and rear elevation view of the creditcard shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 3 is a front elevation view in schematic form of a creditcard which includes an embodiment of the present invention, whereinbasic components are shown;

[0019]FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the creditcard shown in FIG. 3;

[0020]FIG. 5 is a front elevation view in schematic form of a creditcard which includes an embodiment of the present invention, wherein asolar cell senses light and light is emitted from a light emittingdiode;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the creditcard shown in FIG. 5;

[0022]FIG. 7 is a front elevation view in schematic form of a creditcard which includes an embodiment of the present invention, wherein asolar cell senses light and a switch is used to change messagesdisplayed on a liquid crystal display;

[0023]FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the creditcard shown in FIG. 7;

[0024]FIG. 9 is a front elevation view in schematic form of a creditcard which includes an embodiment of the present invention, wherein asolar cell senses light and a switch is used to toggle between twotransducers;

[0025]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the creditcard shown in FIG. 9.

[0026]FIG. 11 is a front elevation view in schematic form of a creditcard which includes an embodiment of the present invention including areceiver and a transmitter; and

[0027]FIGS. 12A and 12B are a flow chart illustrating the operation ofthe credit card shown in FIG. 11.

[0028] These and other features of the device and method disclosedherein will become more readily apparent from the following detaileddescription of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] The present invention provides a novel and unique device andmethod for promoting the selection and use of a transaction card. Thedevice and method adds a feature to the transaction card that isintended to attract the attention of consumers and motivate them toselect and use the transaction card. The feature is particularly usefulin distinguishing the transaction card from other transaction cards inclose proximity therewith, such as when the transaction card is in awallet of a consumer.

[0030] The device for promoting the selection and use of a transactioncard includes a sensor which is adapted and configured to sense aphysical change. The sensor is in communication with a driver circuit.The driver circuit produces at least one driver signal when the sensordetects a physical change. A transducer is in communication with thedriver circuit and is adapted and configured to emit at least oneperceptible output signal in response to receiving the at least onedriver signal. A resetting circuit is adapted and configured to resetthe driver circuit.

[0031] According to an alternative embodiment, the device for promotingthe selection and use of a transaction card includes a sensor which isadapted and configured to sense a predefined physical change. The sensoris in communication with a driver circuit. The driver circuit producesat least one driver signal for a predetermined amount of time when thesensor detects a predefined physical change. A transducer is incommunication with the driver circuit and is adapted and configured toemit at least one perceptible output signal in response to receiving theat least one driver signal. A resetting circuit is adapted andconfigured to reset the driver circuit after the predefined physicalchange is removed.

[0032] The components and interconnections therefor are incorporatedinto a transaction card. The sensor and transducer are, for example,located proximate the top edge of the transaction card. This locationpermits the sensor to properly detect the physical change and permits aconsumer to readily observe the output signal produced by the transducerwhen the transaction card is stored in a pocket of a wallet. Components(e.g., solar cell, pressure sensor, microphone, thermometer, barometer,voltmeter, compass) for sensing various types of physical changes arewell known. A Global Positioning System (GPS) device, such as PhilipsSemiconductor's SAF1576 GPS baseband receiver, may also be used as asensor. The driver circuit can be a processor or logic circuit.

[0033] A processor can be used to determine which content to output. Forexample, the processor can be used to generate a random number which isthen used to randomly select at least one driver signal from a pluralityof driver signals stored in a memory. Alternatively, or in addition, thedriver signals and/or content are received by a receiver of thetransaction card. The received driver signals may be stored in thememory or “streamed” from the receiver to the processor to produce“streaming” output. Alternatively, or in addition, the user mayestablish preferences for particular types of content. In that case, thedriver signals may be selected based on the user preferences. Accordingto another embodiment, the driver signal (or signals) corresponding tothe most recent content may be selected. According to anotherembodiment, the content may be determined based according to a scheduleor order. According to another embodiment, the content may be determinedbased on the type of physical change detected.

[0034] Each driver signal may represent information and/or entertainmentcontent, such as text messages, audio messages, tones, phrases, displaypatterns, lottery numbers, jokes, quotations, sports information (e.g.,sports scores), market information (e.g., stock prices, mutual fundprices, bond prices, index data), information about goods or servicesfor sale (e.g., price information, description), horoscopes, sounds,travel information, weather information, exchange rates, or songs.

[0035] The transducer can be a display. There are many displayswell-known in the art, including a liquid-crystal display (“LCD”) or aflexible display, such as the flexible plastic displays compatible withsmart cards manufactured by Alien Technology™. The plurality of driversignals may thus represent, for example, messages, lottery numbers, orother content, as described above. The type of display need not belimited to an LCD or flexible display. The transducer can also be aspeaker and the plurality of driver signals may represent, for example,different tones, phrases, or other content, as described above. In suchcase, the speaker may be a piezoelectric vibrator. Further, thetransducer can be a light-emitting diode (“LED”) and the plurality ofdriver signals may represent different signal patterns corresponding tothe content described above. For example, the driver circuit maytransmit driver signals to the LED that produce intermittent pulses oflight or light pulses produced according to a predetermined pattern.Alternatively, the pattern of pulses of light need not be predetermined.The light emitted from the LED can be transmitted through the body ofthe transaction card by a fiber optic channel.

[0036] The device also includes a power source for energizing the devicethroughout the useful life of the transaction card. The power source maybe, for example, a solar cell, an inductive power system, a radioactivecell, or a thin film lithium battery. The solar cell can be used as botha sensor and a power source. Output of the power source can becontrolled, for example, by (i) a controller, (ii) the driver circuit,(iii) a separate dedicated processor, or (iv) a separate dedicated logiccircuit.

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention also includes a switchwhich is adapted and configured to change the output of the transducerfrom a first driver signal to a second driver signal. Another embodimentof the present invention includes two transducers in communication withthe driver circuit and further includes a switch which is adapted andconfigured to redirect the at least one driver signal from one of thetwo transducers to the other.

[0038] The device can further include a clock that is adapted andconfigured to cooperate with the driver circuit to determine time.Different driver signals can then be sent to the transducer based on thetime as calculated by the driver circuit.

[0039] The device can further include a receiver for receiving contentor data from a content provider or transmitting source, preferably viawireless data communication. For example, the receiver could be part ofa radio system enabled for two-way wireless data communications. Thereare many well-known types of radio receivers, including high-power andlow-power radio receivers, such as RF Monolitics, Inc.'s low-power radiosystem for two-way wireless data communications. Other types ofreceivers include GPS receivers like Philips Semiconductor's SAF1576single-chip GPS (Global Positioning System) baseband receiver withembedded system RAM and ROM, as well as receivers for wirelesstelephony, handheld devices, and personal digital assistants. Data,messages, and information can thus be received from a content provideror transmitting source, such as a personal digital assistant, cellulartelephone, radio source or cellular communications source.Alternatively, the device may receive data from the user via a keypad onthe device. For example, the user may input name and address informationfor a contact list, items for a task list, or data corresponding to aschedule of items or calendar.

[0040] The device can further include means for receiving and storingdata via a card reader, for example. In this manner, a joke message maybe transmitted by the card reader device of point-of-sale terminal tothe card, which stores the joke message. The holder of the transactioncard may then hear or view the joke as a result of the card detecting aphysical change as described above.

[0041] The device can further include a transmitter for requestingcontent from a content provider, preferably via wireless communication.For example, the transmitter could be part of a radio system or infraredsystem enabled for two-way wireless data communications. Embodiments ofthe present invention provide for the device to transmit a request forcontent. The request may be transmitted, for example, according to aschedule, whenever a physical change is detected, upon request by theuser, or any combination thereof.

[0042] Reference is now made to the accompanying Figures for the purposeof describing, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention. The Figures accompanying the detailed description areprovided as examples of the invention and are not intended to limit thescope of the claims appended hereto.

[0043] Conventional credit cards are a well known form of identificationused by individuals to have merchandise, services, etc., billed to acharge account. The term “transaction card” is intended herein toinclude any type of card carried by a consumer which is physicallysimilar to a conventional credit card. Examples of such cards includecredit cards, debit cards, smart cards, Internet access card, prepaidcalling card, electronic cash card, health insurance, associationmembership, and airline mileage cards. Although the term is to beunderstood to include all such cards, the detailed description belowrelates to conventional credit cards so as to provide a more simplifiedexplanation of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understandthat a smart card may include components that may perform some or all ofthe functionality of the present invention.

[0044] A transaction card may be used to initiate, complete, authorize,or otherwise enable a financial transaction, such as a purchase or awithdrawal from a financial account. A transaction card may also be usedto verify a cardholder's identity and/or to authorize a transaction,such as a purchase.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that productsexhibiting at least one of the following physical features often attractthe attention of consumers: (i) a feature that moves or simulatesmovement; (ii) a feature that includes light elements, especially lightsthat periodically pulse; (iii) a feature incorporating bright colors;(iv) a feature that produces a sound; (v) a feature that provides usefuland/or entertaining information; (vi) a feature that changes; and (vii)a feature that arouses the consumer's sense of curiosity or raises theiranticipation.

[0046] The present invention provides a device and method for atransaction card with a novel physical feature (such as those describedabove) to attract a consumer's attention and encourage him to open anaccount (or otherwise establish a relationship) with a transaction cardissuer. In addition, the present invention entices a consumer to use thetransaction card preferentially over other transaction cards availableto him for his intended purpose (e.g., for a purchase at a point ofpurchase).

[0047] In addition, the entertainment and/or informational features ofthe present invention motivate a holder of a transaction card to keepthe card in view or otherwise in a location or position where thefeatures may be enjoyed by the holder and/or others. For example, aholder of a credit card that is consistent with the present inventionand operative to receive and display sports information when in thepresence of ambient light might be motivated to keep the credit card inview on his desk in order to view a scrolling display of sports scores.In another example, a holder of a credit card that is consistent withthe present invention and operative to receive and provide audioinformation when a pressure sensor detects pressure on the card might bemotivated to hold the card in his hand while shopping in a mall in orderto receive an audio message about current sales promotions of stores inthe mall.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 1, an open wallet 12 is shown to illustratean embodiment of the disclosed invention. As is typical of manyconsumers' wallets, a number of credit cards 14 are positioned in closeproximity to one another in pockets of wallet 12.

[0049] A moment of great interest to transaction card issuers is when aconsumer has his wallet open and is about to select a transaction card(e.g., removing a credit card to make a purchase). The present inventiontakes advantage of the situation by providing a device and method whichdistinguishes a transaction card from other physically similartransaction cards that are in close proximity thereto. In this way, uponopening wallet 12, a consumer's eye is immediately drawn toward aparticular credit card 10, thereby encouraging its selection and use.

[0050] Referring now to FIG. 2, credit card 10 is shown, which conformswith the “Standards for Credit Card Specifications,” ISO 7810, of theInternational Organization for Standardization. As is well known, creditcard 10 has a length (“L”), height (“H”), and width (“W”) ofapproximately 3.375, 2.127, and 0.030 inch, respectively.

[0051] Referring to the Front View of FIG. 2, an embossing area 22 islocated on the lower portion of credit card 10 and has the approximatedimensions of one (1) inch by three (3) inches. The embossing area 22 isreserved for credit card issuers to emboss a consumer's name and creditcard account information. The Rear View shows a magnetic strip 24adhered to the upper portion of credit card 10 for encoding a consumer'saccount information in machine readable form.

[0052] Referring again to the Front View of FIG. 2, a sensor 26 ismolded into the upper left-hand portion of credit card 10. A transducer28 is molded into the upper portion of credit card 10. It is convenientto position sensor 26 and transducer 28 at or near the upper edge ofcredit card 10 so that they are not blocked by other credit cards whenthe credit card is stored in wallet 12 and not thwarted from functioningas intended. Of course, the location of sensor 26 and transducer 28 arenot considered critical to the present invention so long as they arecapable of performing their intended respective functions as described.

[0053] As will be more fully described below, sensor 26 is configured tocooperate with transducer 28 such that when sensor 26 detects a physicalchange, it activates transducer 28 to emit a perceptible output signal.The physical change can be one of a number of physical changes known innature, including, for example, a measure of or change in lightintensity, pressure, sound, humidity, contact with water, altitude, airpressure, air current, electrical current, location, orientation, ortemperature. The physical change may be, but does not have to be,predefined. Sensor 26 can be any of a number of appropriate elements forsensing a physical change, for example, a solar cell, pressure sensor,barometer, altimeter, GPS receiver, thermometer, compass, or microphone.Transducer 28 can be any of a number of elements for emittingperceptible output signals, for example, a light emitting diode (“LED”),liquid crystal display (“LCD”), or a speaker.

[0054] As an example of the above-described credit card in use, considerthat a consumer opens wallet 12 (FIG. 1) to select a credit card fromhis collection of credit cards 14 stored therein. Further, assume thatsensor 26 is a solar cell and transducer 28 is an LED. When wallet 12 isopened, the solar cell detects a change in ambient light and activatesthe LED to pulse in a predetermined pattern. Alternatively, the patternis not predetermined. Because of this distinguishing feature, theconsumer immediately recognizes credit card 10 and is motivated toconsider whether to use it for charging a purchase.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated in schematic form acredit card 100 representative of credit card 10 which includes a deviceembodying the present invention. A sensor 102 is positioned in the upperleft-hand portion of credit card 100. A driver circuit 104, for example,a processor or a logic circuit, is positioned in the upper middleportion of credit card 100 and is in communication with sensor 102. Thedriver circuit 104 is powered by a power source 105. Electrical energysupplied by the power source 105 is controlled by, for example, thedriver circuit, a dedicated processor or dedicated logic circuit. Atransducer 106 is positioned in the upper right-hand portion of creditcard 100 and is in communication with driver circuit 104. Sensor 102,driver circuit 104, power source 105, and transducer 106 are all locatedoutside of an embossing area 108.

[0056]FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of credit card100 shown in FIG. 3. At step 120, sensor 102 detects a predefinedphysical condition and produces a signal. Alternatively, the physicalchange need not be predefined. At step 125, driver circuit 104 receivesthe signal from sensor 102 and responds by producing a driver signal fora predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, the amount of time thedriver signal is produced is not predetermined. At step 130, the driversignal produced at step 125 is transmitted to transducer 106 and aperceptible output signal is emitted in response to the driver signal.Driver circuit 104 then reverts to standby mode (e.g., after apredetermined amount of time, after another sensed physical change),whereby it discontinues producing the driver signal. Consequentially,transducer 106 discontinues emitting the perceptible output signal.

[0057] Step 135 includes determining whether the physical change hasbeen removed from sensor 102 for a predetermined amount of time. Forexample, if the sensor 102 is a solar cell, then step 135 may includedetermining whether a predetermined amount of time has passed after aconsumer has closed his wallet and light is discontinued from shining onthe solar cell. As another example, if the sensor 102 is a pressuresensor, then step 135 may include determining whether a predeterminedamount of time has passed after a consumer has closed his wallet andpressure is reapplied to the pressure sensor. Alternatively, the amountof time the physical change has been removed from sensor 102 need not bepredetermined.

[0058] If the physical change has not been removed for a predeterminedamount of time, then driver circuit 104 remains in standby mode. Step135 is repeated periodically until the condition is satisfied, at whichtime driver circuit 104 carries out step 140. At step 140, drivercircuit 104 is reset from standby mode to ready mode and, as a result,is ready for detecting a physical change as described above in step 120.Steps 135 and 140 are executed, for example, when a consumer closeswallet 12 (FIG. 1) after having returned credit card 100 to a pocket ofwallet 12 upon completion of a purchase.

[0059] Referring now to FIG. 5 there is illustrated in schematic form acredit card 200 illustrative of another embodiment of the presentinvention. A solar cell 202, or another appropriate sensor, ispositioned in the upper left-hand portion of credit card 200. The solarcell 202 senses the presence of (or changes in) ambient light, at whichtime it produces a signal. A processor 204, or another appropriateprocessor, is positioned in the upper middle portion of credit card 200and is in communication with solar cell 202. A battery 212, or anotherappropriate power source, provides power to processor 204. Memory 210 isin communication with processor 204, thereby enabling processor 204 toretrieve instructions and store data.

[0060] Battery 212 can be one of a number of battery types, for example,a solar cell, inductive power system, radioactive cell, or thin filmlithium battery. Memory 210 can include, for example, (i) random accessmemory (RAM), (ii) read only memory (ROM), or (iii) a combinationthereof.

[0061] An LED 206, or another appropriate transducer, is positioned inthe upper right-hand portion of credit card 200 and is in communicationwith processor 204. A fiber optic channel 214 provides an optical pathbetween LED 206 and the upper edge of credit card 200. Each of the aboveelements are located outside of an embossing area 208.

[0062]FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the creditcard 200 shown in FIG. 5. At step 220, solar cell 202 detects thepresence of (or a change in) ambient light and starts to charge battery212. At step 225, the battery 212 is sufficiently charged to energizeprocessor 204, which in turn reads and executes instructions from memory210.

[0063] At step 230, the instructions cause processor 204 to output asignal for a predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, the amount oftime the processor is output by processor 204 is not predetermined. Atstep 235, LED 206 emits light in response to the signal. Depending onthe instructions stored in memory, the output emitted from LED 206 canbe a steady stream of light, short periodic pulses of light, or apattern of light pulses. Processor 204 then reverts to a standby modeand it discontinues producing the signal. Consequentially, LED 206discontinues emitting light.

[0064] Step 240 includes processor 204 monitoring solar cell 202 todetermine whether the ambient light (or change in ambient light) hasbeen removed for a predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, theamount of time the ambient light (or change in ambient light) has beenremoved need not be predetermined. If the ambient light (or change inambient light) has not been removed, then processor 204 remains instandby mode. Step 240 is periodically repeated until the ambient light(or change in ambient light) is removed, at which time processor 204carries out step 245. At step 245, processor 204 is reset from standbymode to a ready mode and is ready for detecting ambient light (or achange in ambient light) as described above in step 220.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 7 there is illustrated in schematic form acredit card 300 which includes yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, a solar cell 302 is positioned in theupper left-hand portion of credit card 300. The solar cell 302 isconfigured to sense ambient light (or changes in ambient light), atwhich time it produces a signal. A processor 304 is positioned in theupper middle portion of credit card 300 and is in communication withsolar cell 302. A battery 312 provides power to processor 304. A memory310 is in communication with processor 304, thereby enabling theprocessor 304 to retrieve instructions and store data. Memory 310includes a first register 311 and a second register 313.

[0066] A switch 314 is in communication with processor 304 for changinga message that may be displayed on an LCD 306, as will be describedbelow. The LCD 306 is positioned in the upper right-hand portion ofcredit card 300 and is in communication with processor 304. Each of theabove elements are located outside of an embossing area 308.

[0067]FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of credit card300 shown in FIG. 7. The embodiment illustrated below is an example of aprogram that can be used with credit card 300. Generally, the programenables a consumer to switch between displaying a first message and asecond message on LCD 306 by depressing switch 314. The messages can be,but need not be, displayed for a predetermined amount of time.

[0068] At step 320, solar cell 302 detects ambient light (or a change inambient light) and produces a signal. At step 325, processor 304receives the signal from solar cell 302 and responds by selecting afirst message from memory 310. At step 330, the first message is storedin first register 311 of memory 310.

[0069] The message to be displayed can be selected randomly. Forexample, the processor can randomly select bible passages, famousquotations, or jokes that are stored in memory. Alternatively, themessage to be displayed can be selected according to the time or date.For example, a real-time clock (not shown), such as an INTERSIL ICM7170,(Intersil Corp., Cupertino, Calif.) can be included to communicate withprocessor 304 and the messages which are selected can relate toparticular dates. The messages may relate, for example, to importantdates in history, holidays, paydays, or birthdays. Further, the messagescan also be dynamic and/or iconic as is well known in the art. Dates maybe (i) entered by a customer via an input device such as a keypad,and/or (ii) programmed into the memory when the card is manufactured.

[0070] At step 335, the first message is transmitted to and displayed onLCD 306 for a predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, the amount oftime the first message is displayed on LCD 306 need not bepredetermined. At step 340, processor 304 determines if switch 314 hasbeen closed. If switch 314 has not been closed, then processor 304advances to step 345. At step 345, processor 304 determines whether theambient light (or the change in ambient light) has been removed for apredetermined amount of time. If so, processor 304 advances to step 350at which the first and a second registers, 311 and 313, respectively,are erased and processor 304 is reset in preparation for detectingambient light (or a change in ambient light) with solar cell 302.Alternatively, the amount of time the ambient light (or the change inambient light) has been removed need not be predetermined.

[0071] If, at step 340, the switch 314 is determined to have beenclosed, then processor 304 advances to step 355. At step 355, processor304 determines whether a second message has been stored in secondregister 313 of memory 310. If a second message has not already beenstored in second register 313, then processor 304 advances to step 360.At step 360, processor 304 selects a second message from memory 310. Asdescribed above, the message can be selected randomly. At step 365, thesecond message is stored in second register 313. If, at step 355,processor 304 determines a second message has been stored in secondregister 313, then processor 304 loops around steps 360 and 365 andadvances to step 370.

[0072] At step 370, the second message is transmitted to and displayedon LCD 306 for a predetermined amount of time. Alternatively, the amountof time the second message is displayed on LCD 306 need not bepredetermined. At step 375, processor 304 determines whether switch 314has been closed. If switch 314 has not been closed, then processor 304advances to step 345. If switch 314 has been closed, then processor 304advances to step 335.

[0073] As described above, at step 345, processor 304 determines whetherthe ambient light (or the change in ambient light) has been removed fora predetermined amount of time. If so, processor 304 advances to step350. If the ambient light (or the change in ambient light) has not beenremoved, then processor 304 advances to step 380. Alternatively, theamount of time the ambient light (or the change in ambient light) hasbeen removed need not be predetermined.

[0074] At step 380, processor 304 determines whether the messagepresently being transmitted is the first message. If the message is thefirst message, then processor 304 advances to step 340. If the messageis not the first message, then processor 304 advances to step 375.Processing proceeds thereafter as described above until finally endingat step 350.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 9, a credit card 400 is illustrated inschematic form to depict yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, a solar cell 402 is positioned in theupper left-hand portion of credit card 400. The solar cell 402 isconfigured to sense ambient light (or changes in ambient light), atwhich time it produces a signal. A processor 404 is positioned in theupper middle portion of credit card 400 and is in communication withsolar cell 402. A battery 412 provides power to processor 404. Memory410 is in communication with processor 404, thereby enabling theprocessor 404 to retrieve instructions and store data. A switch 414 isin communication with processor 404 for switching between displayingmessages on an LCD 406 and emitting a light signal on LED 416.

[0076] The LCD 406 is positioned in the upper right-hand portion ofcredit card 400 and is in communication with processor 404. The LED 416is positioned in the left-hand portion of credit card 400, between thesolar cell 402 an the LCD 406. Each of the above elements are locatedoutside of an embossing area 408.

[0077]FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of credit card400 shown in FIG. 9. The embodiment illustrated below is an example of aprogram that can be used with credit card 400. Generally, the programenables a consumer to switch between displaying a message on LCD 406 andemitting a light signal on LED 416 by depressing switch 414.

[0078] At step 420, solar cell 402 detects ambient light (or a change inambient light) and produces a signal. At step 425, processor 404determines whether a transducer selection is stored in a register 411 ofmemory 410. If a transducer selection is not stored in register 411,then processor 404 advances to step 430. At step 430, the LED 416transducer is selected and the selection is stored in register 411.

[0079] At step 435, processor 404 selects an LED signal from memory 410.At step 440, the signal selected at step 435 is transmitted to LED 416.The signal may be transmitted for a predetermined amount of time, butthe amount of time need not be predetermined. LED 416 emits light inresponse to the selected signal.

[0080] At step 445, processor 404 determines whether switch 414 has beenclosed. If switch 414 has not been closed, then processor 404 advancesto step 450. In a preferred embodiment, at step 450, processor 404determines whether the ambient light (or the change in ambient light)has been removed for a predetermined amount of time. If so, processor404 advances to step 455, wherein processor 404 is reset in preparationfor detecting ambient light (or a change in ambient light) with solarcell 402. If, at step 450, it is determined that the ambient light (orthe change in ambient light) has not been removed, then processor 404returns to step 445. Alternatively, the amount of time for which theambient light (or the change in ambient light) has been removed need notbe predetermined.

[0081] If, at step 425, it is determined that a transducer selection isstored in register 411, then processor 404 advances to step 460. At step460, processor 404 determines whether the transducer selection that isstored in register 411 is for LED transducer 416. If the selection isfor LED transducer 416, then processor 404 advances to step 435. If theselection is for LCD transducer 406, then processor 404 advances to step465.

[0082] At step 465, processor 404 selects an LCD message from memory410. At step 470, the message selected at step 465 is transmitted to LCD406. LCD 406 displays the message in response to receiving the selectedmessage and processor 404 advances to step 445. The message selected atstep 465 may be transmitted for a predetermined amount of time, but theamount of time need not be predetermined.

[0083] As described above, at step 445 processor 404 determines whetherswitch 414 has been closed. If switch 414 has not been closed, thenprocessor 404 advances to step 450. If switch 414 has been closed, thenprocessor 404 advances to step 475. At step 475, the transducerselection previously stored in register 411 is replaced with the othertransducer selection. That is, if LED transducer 416 was previouslyselected as the active transducer, then processor 404 would now selectthe LCD transducer 406 as the active transducer and store this selectionin register 411, and visa versa. Processing proceeds thereafter asdescribed above until finally ending at step 455.

[0084] Referring now to FIG. 11, a credit card 500 is illustrated inschematic form to depict yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, a solar cell 502 is positioned in theupper left-hand portion of credit card 500. The solar cell 502 isconfigured to sense ambient light (or changes in ambient light), atwhich time it produces a signal. A processor 504 is positioned in theupper middle portion of credit card 500 and is in communication withsolar cell 502. A battery 512 provides power to processor 504. Memory510 is in communication with processor 504, thereby enabling theprocessor 504 to retrieve instructions and store data. A switch 514 isin communication with processor 504 for switching between displayingmessages on an LCD 506 and emitting a light signal on LED 516.

[0085] The LCD 506 is positioned in the upper right-hand portion ofcredit card 500 and is in communication with processor 504. The LED 516is positioned in the left-hand portion of credit card 500, between thesolar cell 502 an the LCD 506. Each of the above elements are locatedoutside of an embossing area 508.

[0086] In this embodiment, a receiver 518 in communication withprocessor 504 is configured to receive content and/or data from acontent provider or transmitting source. A transmitter 520 incommunication with processor 504 is configured to transmit a request forcontent and/or data to a content provider or transmitting source. Whileit is preferred to have both the receiver 518 and a transmitter 520,either of the two components may be included without the other. Thereceiver 518 and transmitter 520 are described herein as being includedon a credit card embodiment similar to that of FIG. 9. However, it isunderstood that either or both of the receiver 518 and transmitter 520may be used in any combination with the components (e.g., transducers,sensors, memory) and interconnections discussed herein.

[0087]FIGS. 12A and 12B depict a flow chart illustrating the operationof credit card 500 shown in FIG. 11. The embodiment illustrated below isan example of a program that can be used with credit card 500 or anytransaction card configured with a receiver, a transmitter, or both.Generally, the program enables a consumer to utilize receiver 518 andtransmitter 520 to receive and request content from a transmittingsource.

[0088] At step 520 (FIG. 12A), solar cell 502 detects ambient light (ora change in ambient light) and produces a signal. At step 522, processor504 instructs transmitter 520 to request content. Alternatively, contentmay be requested at any time, or periodically, or at a request of theuser. In this manner, time-sensitive content, such as weather or marketinformation or a daily joke, may be updated. Processor 504 may requestcontent corresponding to a specific type of transducer (e.g., LED, LCD),a specific type of content (e.g., weather information), or may requestany type and combination of content and/or transducer signal describedherein.

[0089] At step 523, receiver 518 receives data and/or signalscorresponding to content. For example, the signals may correspond toupdated sports, weather, traffic, market, and/or sales information. Atstep 524, the content is stored in memory 110. The content is preferablystored in memory 110 as a plurality of signals corresponding to one ormore transducers of the credit card. Alternatively, the content is notstored in memory 110 and is provided in a “streaming” mode from thereceiver.

[0090] At step 525 (FIG. 12B), processor 504 determines whether atransducer selection is stored in a register 511 of memory 510. If atransducer selection is not stored in register 511, then processor 504advances to step 530. At step 530, the LED 516 transducer is selectedand the selection is stored in register 511.

[0091] At step 535, processor 504 selects an LED signal from memory 510.Alternatively, the signal is not stored in memory 510 and is provided ina “streaming” mode from the receiver. At step 540, the signal selectedat step 535 is transmitted to LED 516. The signal may be transmitted fora predetermined amount of time, but the amount of time need not bepredetermined. LED 516 emits light in response to the selected signal.

[0092] At step 545, processor 504 determines whether switch 514 has beenclosed. If switch 514 has not been closed, then processor 504 advancesto step 550. In a preferred embodiment, at step 550, processor 504determines whether the ambient light (or the change in ambient light)has been removed for a predetermined amount of time. If so, processor504 advances to step 555, wherein processor 504 is reset in preparationfor detecting ambient light (or a change in ambient light) with solarcell 502. If, at step 550, it is determined that the ambient light (orthe change in ambient light) has not been removed, then processor 504returns to step 545. Alternatively, the amount of time for which theambient light (or the change in ambient light) has been removed need notbe predetermined.

[0093] If, at step 525, it is determined that a transducer selection isstored in register 511, then processor 504 advances to step 560. At step560, processor 504 determines whether the transducer selection that isstored in register 511 is for LED transducer 516. If the selection isfor LED transducer 516, then processor 504 advances to step 535. If theselection is for LCD transducer 506, then processor 504 advances to step565.

[0094] At step 565, processor 504 selects an LCD message from memory510. Alternatively, the signal is not stored in memory 510 and isprovided in a “streaming” mode from the receiver. At step 570, themessage selected at step 565 is transmitted to LCD 506. LCD 506 displaysthe message in response to receiving the selected message and processor504 advances to step 545. The message selected at step 565 may betransmitted for a predetermined amount of time, but the amount of timeneed not be predetermined.

[0095] As described above, at step 545 processor 504 determines whetherswitch 514 has been closed. If switch 514 has not been closed, thenprocessor 504 advances to step 550. If switch 514 has been closed, thenprocessor 504 advances to step 575. At step 575, the transducerselection previously stored in register 511 is replaced with the othertransducer selection. That is, if LED transducer 516 was previouslyselected as the active transducer, then processor 504 would now selectthe LCD transducer 506 as the active transducer and store this selectionin register 511, and visa versa. Processing proceeds thereafter asdescribed above until finally ending at step 555.

[0096] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a number ofalterations can be made to the embodiments described above withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. For example, atransaction card including the basic embodiment of the present inventionas described above and illustrated in FIG. 3 can utilize a speaker, suchas a piezoelectric vibrator, as a transducer for emitting sound storedin machine readable form in a memory. The speaker can emit a sound,e.g., a chirping sound, when a consumer opens his wallet. A variation ofthis embodiment includes utilizing magnetic strip 24 (FIG. 2) as asensor and configuring the device to emit a sound or a message when thetransaction card is passed through a transaction card reader.

[0097] As another example, a transaction card including the basicembodiment of the present invention as described above and illustratedin FIG. 3 can utilize a pressure sensor that detects when a wallet hasbeen opened. Thus, when the wallet is opened and the sensor detects thatthe pressure has been removed, it activates, for example, an LCD, LED,or speaker.

[0098] Embodiments of the invention are not limited to theabove-described types of transaction cards. For example, the inventionmay also be used with casino player tracking cards, medical monitoringcards, prepaid calling cards, frequent shopper cards, or check cashingcards.

[0099] While the device and method disclosed herein has been describedwith respect to various specific embodiments, those skilled in the artwill readily appreciated that various modifications, changes, andenhancements may be made thereto without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claim.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: sensing at a transactioncard a physical change; and providing content in response to sensing thephysical change.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining the content.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising;determining the content based on the physical change.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, in which providing comprises: activating a transducer of thetransaction card to produce at least one output signal.
 5. The method ofclaim 4, further comprising: deactivating the transducer.
 6. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: receiving the content.
 7. The method ofclaim 6, in which receiving comprises: receiving the content from auser.
 8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: storing the content.9. The method of claim 1, in which the content comprises at least oneof: a joke, sports information, market information, a quotation, a textmessage, a display pattern, a song, a tone, an audio message, a lotterynumber, sales information, schedule information, exchange rate, travelinformation, weather information, and a horoscope.
 10. The method ofclaim 1, in which the transaction card is a credit card.
 11. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: transmitting a request for the content.12. A method comprising: sensing at a transaction card a physicalchange; determining content; activating a transducer of the transactioncard to produce at least one output signal that is based on the content;and deactivating the transducer.
 13. The method of claim 12, in whichdetermining comprises: receiving the content.
 14. The method of claim12, in which determining comprises: determining the content based on thephysical change.
 15. The method of claim 12, in which the contentcomprises at least one of: a joke, sports information, marketinformation, a quotation, a text message, a display pattern, a song, atone, an audio message, a lottery number, sales information, scheduleinformation, exchange rate, travel information, weather information, anda horoscope.
 16. The method of claim 12, in which the transaction cardis a credit card.
 17. A method comprising: sensing at a credit card afirst physical change; receiving content at the credit card; activating,in response to sensing the first physical change, a transducer of thecredit card to produce a first output signal that is based on content,in which the content comprises at least one of: a joke, sportsinformation, market information, a quotation, a text message, a displaypattern, a song, a tone, an audio message, a lottery number, salesinformation, schedule information, exchange rate, travel information,weather information, and a horoscope; and deactivating the transducer.18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: transmitting a requestfor the content.
 19. The method of claim 17, in which the first outputsignal is an audio signal.
 20. The method of claim 17, in which thefirst output signal is a display signal.
 21. The method of claim 17,further comprising: storing the content.
 22. The method of claim 17, inwhich receiving comprises: receiving the content from a user.
 23. Themethod of claim 17, in which receiving comprises: receiving the contentfrom a content provider.
 24. The method of claim 17, further comprising:receiving second content at the credit card; sensing at the credit carda second physical change; and activating the transducer of the creditcard to produce a second output signal that is based on the secondcontent, in response to sensing the second physical change.